bstoner59
does it come in shmedium?
I realize now that there is a great divide in the Raptor world as to which filter elements work best...oiled or dry elemnts.
Here's my .02 based on my amount of OFFROAD driving...
I have grown up riding and racing dirt bikes. From the time I was old enough to ride (4 yrs old) I remember cleaning and oiling my air filters. Everyone in the dirt bike community does it.
The air box on most bikes is located right above the rear wheel under the seat. In this location a lot of dust is swirled around the filter element. If there was no oil on the filter these fine dust particles would get thorugh to the carb down into the engine etc. These filters aren't perfect (kind of like a sponge w/ oil) and sand dirt and dust will get through over the years esp if not cleaned on a regular basis (which will also lead to clogging of the filter).
One of the big concerns in the automotive community from what I gather is that oil can pass from the filter to the engine etc. I know on my motorcycles the inner airbox is designed to allow oil to pool up in a lower compartment and I'm sure some does go into the engine. Remeber these are hand oiled 'sponges'.
The K&N elements are a lot more intricate than these old motorcycle designs and the oil is sprayed onto the outer layer of the element. The oils used for air filters a re VERY tacky, almost like a glue. They are designed to be adhesive to filters, dust or anything that touches it. If the tiny amount that is sprayed onto the element was to seap through my bet is that it would have a difficult time traveling all the way to the engine.
Let's say there is a choice to have oil or dirt pass through to the engine...what would you prefer? I personally would take the small amount of oil over a small amount of dirt.
Brian
Here's my .02 based on my amount of OFFROAD driving...
I have grown up riding and racing dirt bikes. From the time I was old enough to ride (4 yrs old) I remember cleaning and oiling my air filters. Everyone in the dirt bike community does it.
The air box on most bikes is located right above the rear wheel under the seat. In this location a lot of dust is swirled around the filter element. If there was no oil on the filter these fine dust particles would get thorugh to the carb down into the engine etc. These filters aren't perfect (kind of like a sponge w/ oil) and sand dirt and dust will get through over the years esp if not cleaned on a regular basis (which will also lead to clogging of the filter).
One of the big concerns in the automotive community from what I gather is that oil can pass from the filter to the engine etc. I know on my motorcycles the inner airbox is designed to allow oil to pool up in a lower compartment and I'm sure some does go into the engine. Remeber these are hand oiled 'sponges'.
The K&N elements are a lot more intricate than these old motorcycle designs and the oil is sprayed onto the outer layer of the element. The oils used for air filters a re VERY tacky, almost like a glue. They are designed to be adhesive to filters, dust or anything that touches it. If the tiny amount that is sprayed onto the element was to seap through my bet is that it would have a difficult time traveling all the way to the engine.
Let's say there is a choice to have oil or dirt pass through to the engine...what would you prefer? I personally would take the small amount of oil over a small amount of dirt.
Brian